a celebration and send off

Bandmaster Matthew presenting me
with a gift from the band!

The day was rather interesting. Interesting in a good way. I, of course, felt uncomfortable with the amount of attention that was driven in my direction. Even the fact that family came from Calgary and London was extreme enough for me. But, add to that the slew of officer representatives from DHQ that came to show their support was tremendous.

presenting the
scripture reflection

Our mighty fine officers at Kitchener Community Church (KCC) planned a morning that was filled with worship and celebration. With all of the encouragement I received, at the end of it all I was left with no doubt that I am supported in this venture I am about to embark on. Or ... so I say ... am already journeying on!

Reflecting on the kind words
of CO Major Dale Pilgrim

I should at least quickly say a thank you to the band, my bible study group, the ladies at PCRC, the many corps members and DHQ for their kind words and generous gifts (during the morning worship service as well as the pot-luck luncheon).

The day felt like a very 'full' day to me. A day filled with blessing - that is! I cannot even begin share with you all of the thoughts that were running through my head. For me to try and capture (in the form of words) the gratitude that I feel would be pointless. I just simply wouldn't get there!

Lt-Col Lee Graves sharing his
thoughts on the 'cloud of witnesses'

There are a few things I'd like to highlight. And a few others that I'll let the pictures do the 'talking'. As for the rest, it's not that I didn't appreciate all that took place. I just am simply overwhelmed ...

the cloud of witnesses

I was touched by the kind thoughts and words of our Divisional Commander (Lt-Col Lee Graves). The picture he drew of the cloud of witnesses (those officers shown in the picture above that will be my colleagues in a matter of two years) was profound. A big reminder that not only will I walk this journey with God's strength (which is more than enough - I might add!) but I will have peers - those who have gone on before, those who have battle wounds, those who have fought the fight and have won the race! ... to remind me that the journey is more than worth it. Along with the 'cloud of witnesses' that joined me on the platform, Lt-Col Graves invited the congregation to stand as a collective group of more witnesses that will pray for me along the way ...

a few resources from
our bible study group

THAT is what I mean when I say I am blessed ...

handmade by Anne!

Following the morning service a good ol' pot-luck was had ... and I would venture to guess that fun was had by all and that tummies were filled. A few other presentations were made there ... a personalized gift that was made by a good friend (on behalf of our bible study group), the ladies at PCRC prayed for me and as a part of that exercise a 'prayer shawl' was created.

the prayer shawl

And what celebration doesn't have cake?! I'm pretty sure there was a enough for all ... they were lovely cakes ... Thanks Major Glenys for the extra special 'touch' of green leaves! :-)

Candidate Shawna Goulding
book marked by Majors Glenys & Dale Pilgrim